Poundland Comes to Ashton-under-Lyne

Oldham’s had one since 1993, Manchester some two years after, now it’s Ashton’s turn. The mystery has been solved as to which retailer is going to occupy the ground floor space of the former Woolworths store in Ashton’s Arcades Shopping Centre. Yes, it’s Poundland.

For the uninitiated, Poundland’s business plan is similar to the one Frank Winfield Woolworth had when he opened his own stores. That of each item being the same price. Formed in Stoke-on-Trent in 1990, Poundland has gone from strength to strength, benefiting from the credit crunch and the recession. In recent years, middle class families have discovered the joys of the Pound Shop, though I’ve seen Pound shops in the North of England for nearly 20 years.

The company has benefited the closure of Woolworths by occupying a fair number of their former store units. Ashton-under-Lyne’s is no exception. Their latest addition will open for business today. This will be followed by a family fun day this Saturday.

Cutting the ribbon is former EastEnders star Joe Swash, who played Mickey Miller in the popular BBC One soap opera. Joe Swash has also appeared in ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here’, winning the 2008 series, and has had the honour of appearing on Harry Hill’s TV Burp (thanks to a clip of his BBC Three show ‘I Believe in Ghosts’). Other TV credits include the silver leotard-tastic ‘Hole in the Wall’ (BBC One).

This Saturday will also see a Fun Day, celebrating the store’s opening. Joe Swash will also be present between 1000 – 1300 hours, giving away signed photos. There are also several £1 Poundland vouchers up for grabs and a £100 Checkout Challenge.